Sonam Wangchuk hails Dharmendra Pradhan's exit as ‘Victory of Democracy,’ says focus now shifts to reforms

Published 25 July 2026 · local

Dharmendra Pradhan resignation: ‘Straight from the streets’, Climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk responded within moments of Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Union Education Minister on Saturday (25 July), describing the outcome on social media platform X as a triumph for ordinary citizens rather than for any political negotiation. Sonam Wangchuk attributed the result to the sustained discipline shown by protesters at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and across India, over the preceding weeks. "IT'S A VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY. direct democracy… straight from the streets. It's a victory of peace, patience & persévérance," Wangchuk wrote. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What led to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Union Education Minister? ⌵ Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following sustained protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which demanded accountability for a NEET paper leak and compensation for affected families. 2 Why does Sonam Wangchuk view Pradhan's resignation as a victory for democracy? ⌵ Sonam Wangchuk describes the resignation as a triumph for ordinary citizens, emphasizing the importance of peaceful protests and collective citizen action in achieving accountability. 3 How long did the protests last before Pradhan's resignation was announced? ⌵ The protests culminated in Pradhan's resignation after 36 days of sustained agitation, which began on June 20.

4 Should the CJP protesters feel optimistic after Pradhan's resignation? ⌵ While the resignation is viewed as a significant milestone, CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke stressed that the movement will continue until all outstanding demands, including compensation for bereaved families, are met. 5 What were the main demands of the protesters at Jantar Mantar? ⌵ The protesters demanded Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak, compensation for families of students who died by suicide, and accountability for those responsible for the leak. "Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation. FROM ACCOUNTABILITY, NOW TO REFORMS", Sonam Wangchuk wrote on X. CJP Declares "First Victory" as Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Loud cheers broke out at the Cockroach Janata Party's protest site at Jantar Mantar the moment founder Abhijeet Dipke announced Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Union Education Minister to the assembled crowd, calling it the movement's first breakthrough after more than a month of agitation. Thirty-Six Days of Protest Culminate in Pradhan's Exit The CJP had launched its demonstration at Jantar Mantar on 20 June, demanding Pradhan's resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak, compensation of one crore rupees for the families of students said to have died by suicide in connection with the controversy, and criminal proceedings against those responsible for the leak.